Om Ma Ni Pad Mey Hum - Jewel in the Lotus BRISBANE POWERHOUSE, 26th April - 30th April 2017“For as long as space endures, and for as long as living beings remain, until then may I too abide to dispel the misery of the world.” –Shanti Deva

Brisbane’s fifth annual Festival of Tibet celebrates the Tibetan way of life, founded on the principles of compassion and non-violence, while addressing issues that continue to threaten the future of Tibet.

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the State Oracle of Tibet and primary protector of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Venerable Thupten Ngodrup will be coming from Dharamsala, India to join the Festival of Tibet next year to offer audiences a glimpse into the spirit world of Nechung. This is an unprecedented, not to be repeated event and his talk (after the film – The State Oracle of Tibet) should not be missed by anyone curious about the Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Back for its fifth big year from 30 Jan – 3 Feb 2013, the Festival of Tibet 2013 at the Brisbane Powerhouse has a program packed with concerts, workshops, talks, exhibitions, kids activities and more. Details of these events and much more can be found on the Brisbane Powerhouse website.

Tickets are on sale now.

For Festival Package Deals please call the Brisbane Powerhouse box office on (07) 3358 8600. Book now to avoid disappointment! Festival tickets would be a wonderful Christmas and New Year gift for your loved ones For more information and Booking Tickets onlineBuy tickets

All proceeds from the Festival go to the work of the Tibetan Children’s Village, India.

With warmest regards,

Festival of Tibet Team.

.All proceeds go to the Tibetan Children’s Village in Dharamsala, India.

Free Meditations and Workshops

Wed 30 Jan – Sun 3 Feb 2013

Start your day with a clear and alert mind as Khedup offers a special meditation experience employing mantra recitation – energy-based sounds which produce vibrations within the universe.

The word “mantra” is derived from two Sanskrit words – man meaning “mind” and tra meaning “to protect or to free from”. Khedup will guide participants through traditional Tibetan Buddhist meditation and thought awareness techniques. A beautiful way to start the day refreshed and re-energized.

Thu 31 Jan – Sat 2 Feb 9am Turbine Platform

Tibetan Dance Workshop

Tibetan folk dance combines both singing and dance and is an integral part of Tibetan life. Led by dance master Yeshi and members of the Queensland Tibetan community dance troupe, this workshop teaches basic steps and rhythms used in traditional dance forms.

Tibetans express their history, spirituality, cultural traditions and above all love for their homeland through their traditional dances which are still performed at festivals, weddings and gatherings.

Thu 31 Jan + Fri 1 Feb 3pm Turbine Platform

Kid’s Workshop – Make your own Prayer Flag

Join us for a fun workshop printing your own prayer flag with a special message of peace, compassion, prosperity or happiness to share with the world. The prayer flag tradition has a long history dating back to ancient Tibet. The ancient Buddhist prayers, mantras and powerful symbols displayed on each prayer flag produce a spiritual vibration that is activated and carried by the wind. The prayers become a permanent part of the universe as the images fade from wind and sun.

Thu 31Jan + Fri 1 Feb 2 – 4pm Turbine Platform

Mantra Singing Workshop

Tenzin Choegyal leads a workshop in the Tibetan style of vocal projection and shares his knowledge of stories told through the songs of Tibet’s nomadic people. Participants learn simple Tibetan folk songs and hear about the ancient “Lama Mani” tradition of telling Buddhist parables through song. Such songs were performed by wandering storytellers who travelled from village to village, drawing on their own often humble origins to relate to people from all backgrounds.

Thu 31Jan 11.30am Turbine Platform

Why Tibet? Grassroots Workshop

Ever wanted to take action for Tibet but don’t know where to start? Hosted by the Australia Tibet Council, this session addresses ways to promote human rights and democratic freedoms and encourage a peaceful and lasting solution to the Tibetan situation. Come along for an opportunity to meet others who care about Tibet and consider some of the ways we can all support the Tibetan community and help to create a better future.

Tibetan Calligraphy Workshop
Thu 31 Jan – Fri 1 Feb 2013

Tibetan Calligraphy with Phuntsok Choegyel

Learn the fundamentals of Tibetan script with Brisbane community member Phuntsok Choegyel, master in Tibetan calligraphy. Phuntsok teaches the formation of Tibetan script which is commonly used to write mantras and prayers and traditionally practised as a daily meditation.

Tibetan calligraphy can be appreciated purely for its aesthetic beauty and, at the same time, for the profundity of Tibetan philosophy expressed by simple strokes of a bamboo pen.

Chakra Healing Workshop
Fri 1 Feb 2013

Chakra Healing Through Aromatherapy Workshop with Sal Battaglia

Learn about the chakras and how, when used with aromatherapy, they become one of the most dynamic tools for personal and spiritual growth. Chakras represent the major energy centres of our bodies and are connected to our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Subtle aromatherapy draws on the energetic or vibrational qualities of the essential oils which can be used in restoring harmonic resonance. Learn from qualified aromatherapist, author of the Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Perfect Potion founder and managing director Sal Battaglia at this educational workshop.
Park Mezzanine 11:30 am, Fri 1st Feb
$25 (con$20)
Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or click

All proceeds go to the Tibetan Children’s Village in Dharamsala, India.

Tibetan Painting Workshop
Thu 31 Jan – Sat 2 Feb 2013

Paint your own Buddha with Karma Phuntsok

The practice of drawing the Buddha is like a meditation, helping to purify negativities of body, speech and mind. Spend time with master painter Karma Phuntsok and explore your own creative skills while following a traditional grid to create an image of the historical Buddha. Karma expertly teaches the basic techniques and principles of Tibetan drawing and explains historical conventions for the creation of traditional images.

Public Conversation: Seed of Compassion the Art of Happiness
Sat 2 Feb 2013

Highly respected Tibetan Buddhist teacher, Geshe Lobsang Jamyang of Chenrezig Institute discusses the essence of Tibetan culture which is deeply rooted in the ideal of compassion and loving kindness.

He explains how we can develop our own compassionate nature and effectively apply this approach in everyday life. In this conversation with Geshe la, he will explore aligning our inner lives with our outer expression to discover the true paths to happiness.

Panel Discussion: Ahimsa in an aggressive world
Sat 2 Feb 2013

An important tenet of Tibetan Buddhism, Ahimsa means kindness and non-violence toward all living things and above all, to do no harm. But in a world of hostility, we humans still find this task almost impossible, in spite of a wealth of information on cultivating world peace. How then, in the face of unending violence are Tibetans around the globe still able to practice Ahimsa when their country is experiencing one of the darkest periods in Tibetan history under the PRC? This promises to be a challenging and thought-provoking conversation.

Special evening FILM Followed by Forum with Ven. Thupten Ngodrup
Thu 31 Jan 2013 *not to be missed

The outstanding feature of this year’s Festival touches on the little-known tradition of Tibetan oracles.

An important part of the Tibetan way of life, oracles act as mediums between the physical and the spiritual realms and can be called upon as protectors and healers as well as to foretell the future. The most highly revered of these is the tradition of Nechung, the State Oracle of Tibet, whose spirit enters a Buddhist monk to give guidance to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile.

A film about the State Oracle of Tibet will be followed by an extraordinary opportunity to discuss the tradition of Nechung with Ven. Thupten Ngodrup himself, who is the present Nechung medium of the Chief Oracle of Tibet based in Dharamsala, India. Don’t miss this rare, never to be repeated event.

Wed 30 Jan – Sun 3 Feb 2013

ExileLens Photo Exhibition

This exhibition is a celebration of Tibetan visual culture against the backdrop of ongoing Chinese oppression and continued adjustment to life in exile. Through images straight from the heart of the exile community and its burgeoning creative scene, these works will provide a deeper understanding of the multiple realities of what it means to be Tibetan today.

These incredibly talented and often young emerging artists offer new insights into current life in Tibet, exploring the exile ‘condition’ of Tibetans living as refugees, taking a fresh and young approach.
*Daily Park Mezz

Sand Mandala Creation

Throughout the Festival, mandala master Lama Khedup Bhutia will create a stunningly beautiful sand mandala. Millions of grains of brightly coloured sand are placed with great skill and patience using a metal funnel called a chak phur to form intricate geometric designs.

Beautifully detailed and highly symbolic, the sand mandala can take many days to complete, with the process culminating in the spiritually charged dissolution ceremony on the final day. Only in the last few decades has this ancient sacred art been brought out of the monasteries for all to witness.
*Daily Turbine Platform

Tibetan paintings Exhibition by Karma Phuntsok

The Festival features an exhibition of cutting edge contemporary Tibetan art by master painter Karma Phuntsok. Although traditionally trained, Karma also applies a range of innovative techniques and materials in his work, creating unique and dynamic expressions of contemporary Buddhist Art.

Karma’s art is featured in collections around the world including the Queensland Art Gallery and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

with Tenzin Choegyal and Camerata of St John’s

Sat 2 Feb 2013

Camerata of St John’s, Queensland’s acclaimed professional chamber orchestra, is known for its stylish presentations and refreshing approach to both traditional and contemporary performances. Together, Tenzin Choegyal and Camerata perfectly capture the soul of Tibetan nomadic music and elevate it to even greater heights through sensitive and innovative interpretations.

They will be joined by master bansuri player, Taro Terahara, who creates music of intense beauty which both engages the mind and touches the heart. Traditionally trained performer Tenzing Yeshi will also join in the concert further enhancing this colourful musical tapestry.Visy Theatre Sat 2nd Feb 8:00pm $30($25con)
Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or click

Fri 1 Feb 2013

Rollicking Tibetan folk, afro-reggae guitar grooves and intricate Indian tabla sound as if they were made for each other!

Tibet2Timbuk2 (Tenzin Choegyal, Marcello Milani and Shen Flindell) create a new joyful sound that transcends cultural boundaries. After T2T2, The Roaring Fire Choir will take to the stage.

A choir of 50+ voices led by renowned musical director Yani collaborates with Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal to create a truly inspiring performance, completing a magical evening. Rangzen means ‘freedom’ in Tibetan and the artists offer this concert in the unwavering hope for freedom.

**The Tibetan word “Lhakar” (ལྷག་དཀར་) translates literally as “White Wednesday,” as Wednesday is considered special by Tibetans because it is the Dalai Lama’s soul day (བླ་གཟའ་). Lhakar is a homegrown, Tibetan self-reliance movement that started after in the aftermath of the 2008 uprising. In spite of China’s intensified crackdown, Tibetans have embraced the power of strategic nonviolent resistance.

Followed by Forum with Ven. Thupten Ngodrup

Thu 31 Jan 2013

The outstanding feature of this year’s Festival touches on the little-known tradition of Tibetan oracles.

An important part of the Tibetan way of life, oracles act as mediums between the physical and the spiritual realms and can be called upon as protectors and healers as well as to foretell the future. The most highly revered of these is the tradition of Nechung, the State Oracle of Tibet, whose spirit enters a Buddhist monk to give guidance to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile.

A film about the State Oracle of Tibet will be followed by an extraordinary opportunity to discuss the tradition of Nechung with Ven. Thupten Ngodrup himself, who is the present Nechung medium of the Chief Oracle of Tibet based in Dharamsala, India. Don’t miss this rare, never to be repeated event.Powerhouse Theatre Thurs 31st Jan 7:o0pm $25(con$20)
Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or click

Duration: 2hrs

All proceeds go to the Tibetan Children’s Village in Dharamsala, India.

Wed 30 Jan 2013

This is the touching story of Olo, a Tibetan boy who left his family, fled his home and country at the age of 6 and currently lives as a refugee in northern India.

Japanese film maker Kuku Minami first met Olo, now in his early teens, in the winter of 2009 and was touched by the boy with the clear eyes and innocent expression which gave little hint of his sad history. He decided to document the plight of Tibetan refugees and became absorbed in all aspects of the film from planning and casting to shooting on location in India and Nepal.

The film revolves around Olo’s nostalgia for his homeland as well as life in his new home in exile. “Many people in the world are forced to live like Olo and his friends,” Minami says. “I want as many people as possible to understand the reality.”Visy Theatre Wed 30th Jan 7:o0pm $15
Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or click